Isabella County High Point Trip Report

2 areas, 1 has BM, SE 1/4 of NE 1/4 (1,270+ ft) - 8-14N-6W

Date: April 21, 2007
Author: Andy Hatzos

Isabella County is the home of Central Michigan University, the college I attended. As such, it was very important to me that I reach the county's highest point before graduation.

The high point is located on land owned by the family of Wakelin McNeel. Central Michigan University students may recognize the name, as a small woodlot near the campus library is named in his honor. McNeel was a teacher at the university, and his father (also Wakelin McNeel) was famed as an environmentalist as well.

The first step to reaching the high point was to obtain permission from the McNeel family, who reside in Mount Pleasant. They were extremely courteous to me and were happy to grant permission. I will not post the contact information here, but anyone interested in the Isabella County high point can contact me in order to receive it.

To reach the highpoint, I began in Mount Pleasant at the intersection of Mission Road and M-20. I took M-20 to the west for 11 miles, then turned north on Coldwater Road for two miles. I made a left at West River Road, and traveled for three miles before reaching Wyman Road. There is a pull-off to the south no more than two-tenths of a mile beyond Wyman Road.

I parked at the pull-off -- the entrance to a gated road -- and followed the obvious trail into a large clearing. At the end of the field, the trail becomes filled with leaves, sticks, and logs, as it heads upward toward the summit. There is a crest along the trail before it heads back down, and I turned to the right to hike into the woods. I quickly reached a small rise along the path -- the small 1250+ contour just north of the benchmark. Here, there is a wooden sign leaning against a tree. The text of the sign is as follows: "Bundy Hill. A living memorial to Wakelin McNeel. Educator-scientist and conservationist. Plants, stumps, and wildlife must not be disturbed -- help to preserve the natural beauty of this area. No motor vehicles allowed."

From here, I hiked south a short distance to the eastern summit, past a few large boulders to my west, and found the benchmark "Bundy" as depicted on the topographic map. The benchmark is dated 1932, and is listed by the National Geodetic Survey at an elevation of 1276 feet. There isn't much in the way of a view from the eastern summit, due to tall trees in every direction.

The western summit is a short walk from here, and does actually have a decent view toward the southwest. As the two areas are so close together, it's easy enough to visit both in order to claim the county.

PICTURES:
Picture 01 (240 k) - The pull-off on West River Road. This is where I parked to begin the hike.
Picture 02 (255 k) - The open field near the beginning of the ascent. The trail up the hill can be seen in the middle of the picture.
Picture 03 (265 k) - Here is the Bundy Hill sign found just before reaching the summit.
Picture 04 (284 k) - This is the approach to the eastern summit.
Picture 05 (255 k) - The benchmark Bundy, found on a concrete slab at the top of the eastern summit.
Picture 06 (266 k) - The western summit, seen from the ridge between the two high areas.
Picture 07 (178 k) - The impressive view off to the southwest.


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